Breast itch is one of those things that you don't normally think about. If something itches, you usual scratch it--it's normal, right? Especially, if you've been out all day and you've been sweating, you take off your bra and scratch where it itches.
But, there are some medical conditions that need a little bit more looking into because itching is a symptom of them. It may not seem like much, but if you are having breast itch and are consistently itchy for days at a time, you may have one of these conditions:
1. You may have a yeast infection under your breasts
When you think of yeast infection you think of yeast infections with your vagina. And you wouldn’t be wrong, since they can certainly afflict vaginas and cause all sorts of symptoms like unusual discharge and swelling. But yeast infections are actually pretty common under the breasts too.
Yeast cells are technically considered a fungus. When too much Candida is present in an area of your body, the balance of healthy bacteria and microflora in your body is off-balance. That’s why the symptoms of infection begin to appear. This type of infection is called candidiasis, or a yeast infection. It can happen because of an overgrowth of existing yeast or an infection you become exposed to.
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Moisture can get trapped under your breasts, creating an environment that’s perfect for yeast to grow, which can result in breast itch.
2. In very rare cases, it could be a sign of cancer
If your breast itch, it’s much more likely that it’s due to one of the above reasons and not breast cancer. With that said, there’s a small chance it could be inflammatory breast cancer, a rare form of the disease that invades your skin’s dermis (the layer of skin that lies beneath your epidermis, the outer layer of skin), creating an inflammatory response.
Inflammatory breast cancer is a very aggressive and fast-growing breast cancer in which cancer cells infiltrate the skin and lymph vessels of the breast. It often produces no distinct tumor or lump that can be felt and isolated within the breast. But when the lymph vessels become blocked by the breast cancer cells, symptoms begin to appear. Inflammatory breast cancer also usually has other symptoms including a rash; orange-peel skin; and red, inflamed skin that’s hot to the touch.
Thrush is another yeast-like reaction. Thrush is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of yeast-like organisms called Candida albicans or ‘candida’.These organisms like warmth and moisture and are normal inhabitants of the skin, mouth, gut and vagina.
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Certain conditions encourage them to multiply excessively and this may cause a candida infection, with possible symptoms of pain, itching, or other irritation. A breastfeeding mother with a thrush infection of the nipple, areola and/or breast can experience pain in these areas both during and between feeds. Besides the normal allergic reactions to possibly the underwire or fabric in your bra, you could be itching if the bra doesn't fit right. But there is one more health issue that you should look into...
3. You may have hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is when your thyroid gland doesn’t make enough hormones to keep your body running smoothly, according to the Mayo Clinic. Your thyroid is a small gland in your neck with a huge job: It essentially governs your body’s metabolism, meaning that thyroid issues can manifest in myriad ways. An underactive thyroid can cause dry skin that can lead to itchy breasts, in addition to many other symptoms like fatigue, constipation, thinning hair, and a slower heart rate, the Mayo Clinic says.
When to see a doctor about an itchy breast
Although the itching on your breast most likely stems from a simple cause like dry or expanding skin, it’s possible that there could be a more serious underlying problem.
See your doctor or dermatologist about your itchy breasts if you experience any of the following:
- The itching persists for more than a few days or weeks.
- The itching is extremely intense.
- Your breasts are tender, swollen, or in pain.
- The itching doesn’t respond to treatment.
- A rash appears on, under, or between your breasts.
Breast itch without a rash has many possible causes, including dry skin or growing breasts due to puberty, weight gain, or pregnancy.
In some cases, allergic reactions or other underlying conditions may be responsible for the itchiness.
Now, some of you may be asking about the nipples. Well, there are some interesting things you can learn about the nipples that are NOT as serious as breast issues.
The little bumps on nipples are usually harmless.
Take a good look at your nipples and you’ll notice there is quite a bit of texture and bumps. According to ob-gyn Dr. Alyssa Dweck, “This is totally normal.
Those bumps on the areola can be hair follicles, ducts, or oil glands that produce lubricating fluid.” So don’t go squeezing, poking and prodding at them. It isn’t acne. If the bumps are discolored and red, or part of a rash then you should consult a doctor.
According to Dr. Dweck, “A rare form of breast cancer called Paget’s disease can present itself as a red bump or rash on the nipple or areola.”
Nipples can be inverted.
Do your nipples retract in instead of point out? Well, don’t be ashamed. You may be surprised to know that according to reports 10-20 percent of women have inverted nipples.
There is nothing unhealthy about having inverted nipples, and in some cases, women with inverted nipples experience them “popping out” during pregnancy or stimulation.
